DANB Dental Assisting (RHS + ICE)

Infection control works by interrupting the chain of infection. Which set correctly lists links in that chain?

1. ASterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers, and holding solutions
2. BGloves, masks, protective eyewear, gowns, and hand hygiene performed before gloving
3. CInfectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible hostCorrect
4. DBacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and the prions that resist sterilization

Why: The chain of infection consists of the infectious agent, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host; breaking any single link stops disease transmission. Sterilizers, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment are tools used to break links, not links themselves. Listing categories of microorganisms names only one link, the infectious agent.CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings

A dental assistant is asked to explain the ALARA concept to a new hire. Which statement best describes ALARA?

1. AExposure may be increased if that produces a sharper image
2. BOnly the patient's exposure must be minimized, not the x-ray operator's
3. CEvery reasonable step should be taken to keep exposure As Low As Reasonably AchievableCorrect
4. DRadiation exposure is safe as long as it stays under the annual legal limit

Why: ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, meaning exposure to patients and staff should be reduced to the lowest practical level even when legal limits are not exceeded. Staying under the annual legal limit is a minimum requirement rather than the goal, so calling any exposure safe simply because it is under that limit is wrong. ALARA protects both patients and operators, and image quality is achieved through correct technique rather than extra radiation.NCRP Report No. 145: Radiation Protection in Dentistry